Her Story
About Anastasia
Anastasia Arnett serves as Business Process and Systems Manager at Mortenson Dental Partners in Kentucky. She has spent eight years in dentistry, beginning as a clinician after completing high school and earning a certification in dental assisting that permitted expanded functions such as placing fillings. Arnett advanced into patient services and operations specialist roles, bridging clinical and administrative functions, while pursuing higher education. She holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from Indiana Tech and a master's of science in healthcare administration from the University of Louisville. Her path was shaped by becoming a teenage mother, which motivated her to work hard, continue her education while raising her family, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Arnett has focused on improving access to care for lower-income families by addressing organizational processes and systems. She advises that women should not underestimate the value of their voice in dentistry and that one should not let where they started determine where they finish.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anastasia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I didn't really have a straight line to where I am today. I just worked hard, I continued my education while raising my family, and I took every opportunity to learn and grow. When I look back on my career growth, I don't think there was really one big moment that changed everything. I think for me, it was just choosing not to give up over and over again.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was don't let where you started determine where you finish.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd say don't underestimate the value of your voice. I think dentistry needs women in every role, not just providers, but as leaders, innovators, managers, educators, and business professionals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Access is a big one. Not only is affordability, just people don't have expendable cash right now. With the state of the economy, payers continue to pay less and less year after year, making it harder for our patients to get access to care that they really need. I think the answer is reform when it comes to Medicaid, Medicare policies. There's so much red tape, and also better education around dental.
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